Printer paper, copy paper, toilet paper, kitchen roll, handkerchiefs, banknotes, forms and newspapers: This easily expandable listing shows how omnipresent the proverbial patient paper is still in the everyday life despite the progressive digitization. We hold paper in our hands every day as a matter of course, but what does this material actually hide with a long history?
At first glance, papers may look the same except for colour and format, but the appearance is deceptive: you knew that it More than 3000 types of paper are? Reason enough to give you a compact overview here, at the end of which we have new creative design options with the Mr Beam Bringing laser cutters closer.
What is paper?
The word is derived from the Greek papyrus (we take care of the story right away). In most cases, plant fibres (cellulose) are processed, glue, glue, glue and pressed out to leaf through as an end product. Apart from recycling, using waste paper comes as a raw material for paper production in particular wood for use.
Who invented paper?
Spontaneously, the name Gutenberg may come to mind, which is automatically connected to the book pressure. But in the 15th century, paper has long been an important cultural asset. For the beginnings of paper history, a look to the east into the Middle Kingdom of China is necessary. Using sources, historians assume that Cai lun 105 AD started with paper production. He was a dignitary at the chemical imperial court and is said to have used fishing nets, old fabrics and tree bark for the first 'paper prototypes'. This secret was protected in China for a long time, so that further evidence of paper production in Japan can only be found in the 6th century.
As The forerunners of the paper, can undoubtedly apply papyrus that was already used in Ancient Egypt. It was made from the stems of the papyrus plant that grew on the banks of the Nile. The oldest papyrus, which ever found, comes from the 1st dynasty, which is around 3,000 BC. So you can see that a functional writing pad has long been concerned with humanity.
How is paper made?
Even today there are still in some open -air museums such as B. in Hagen the possibility to Traditional paper production to be able to experience up close. Even if the technology has progressed, nothing serious has changed in the following, basic steps:
- In paper factories, wood ground and chemical processes are gained from this. Depending on the desired paper type, various aids such as brighteners or dyes are added next to water.
- The resulting, mushy mixture is enjoyed on a sieve and evenly distributed.
- The structure and surface are determined by different rollers, sieves and vacuum cleaners.
- Drying phase in which the paper railways are pressed.
- Smoothing to give the end product the desired quality. Various refinement techniques are also possible here, depending on the type of paper.
Since there are more than 3,000 types of paper, these 5 steps are only the basic process. Due to different raw materials, a considerable range can be used in the manufacturing process.
What types of paper are there?
We have already listed well -known examples from everyday life. In general, experts differentiate These 4 main groups:
- Packaging papers: Cardboard and papers in different strengths that play a major role, especially in trade and industry.
- Graphic papers: This includes all printing and writing papers as you know them from school, profession or desk. E.g. clay paper.
- Hygiene papers: This includes handkerchiefs and kitchen rolls that score with a special absorbency.
- Special papers: Here, filter paper and wallpaper can be classified, which do not fit in any of the groups already mentioned.
Overview: common types of paper
- Drawing paper
- Writing paper
- Print paper
- Newspaper
- Transparent Paper
What are the properties of paper?
It goes without saying that the properties depend on these 4 main groups and thus the respective nature. In general, all papers have more or a few Strong hygroscopic properties On: You pull moisture out of the room air and can have a regulatory effect.
Another important characteristic is the smooth surface (except for hygiene papers), which is crucial for the pressure quality. Paper has a certain tensile strength, but also a bursting. We have already addressed the absorbency, whereby this property Only in the area of hygiene papers is in demand. It would be more than annoying to pour water over a drawing or an expression ...
Basically play when choosing the Right paper these properties A central role:
- Gram mature or paper weight.
- Colour (white degree).
- Lighting permeability (opacity).
What can paper be used for?
The gram mage in particular decides on the Quality of the paper And thus about the possible uses. It should be borne in mind that the paper thickness can be felt. If you want to leave an impression on business documents such as business cards, you should choose a higher gram mature. This is given in grams per square meter (you have already seen this note on the packaging of printer paper). Paper for printing or writing certificates typically has a gram mage between 70 and 150 g/sqm. Cardboard is up to 600 g/sqm in one area, cardboard begins from this value.
For classification: Good old postcards, as they were often written on holiday before WhatsApp and Co., have a gram mage of up to 250 g/sqm. Standard copy paper often does not go beyond 90 g/sqm.
How is paper recycled?
Since paper is made of wood, the focus is on sustainability in the face of limited resources. The pictures of clearing of the forests are always an issue in the media. In this respect it is only consistent, to make it usable again by recycling. Here the waste paper is dissolved with water and again to the original porridge. Chemicals are added to remove colours. Different bleaching processes are used, at the end of which many recycled papers have a typical gray tone. The paper porridge in recycling is processed into a finished end product with the steps listed above.
What does paper cost?
In view of more than 3,000 species, this question cannot be answered in general. A simple sheet of copy paper is available from about 6 cents. As with everything in life, with a view to papers: Quality has its price. The more functional and thick types of paper, the more a sheet will cost. Ultimately, the format also determines the price. Paper prices have increased in recent years.
Would like more? Our Mr Beam Laser cutter can do a lot
You are after this small fold experiment and the compact view of the World of paper now become curious? With the Mr Beam Laser cutter You can use countless options to bring paper to creative shapes. Whether engraving or cutting: With a few simple steps, a new, unique piece is created with impressive precision.
What can you make out of paper?
Find out yourself by closer to that Mr Beam Laser cutter deals. We have prepared something for you, tips for professional use. Discover our videos, too, To help the creativity of creativity. How about designing your own paper mask, exclusive folding cards with engraving or an individual lantern for atmospheric decoration? With the Mr Beam Laser cutter is all and much more designed! You can do this too, Suncatcher Crafts from transparent paper. Your creativity knows no limits.
Did you like the article about paper? Then ours is Material guide Exactly the right thing for you! There we regularly publish new articles on various materials such as felt, Foam, Balsa wood or slate.
